And for ***** and giggles...you can watch the bubbles........BUBBLES!!!!

(they can be seen coming out where the hard line comes in)

 

i was listening to (sic) while watching your vid. was intersting.

 

I'll submit the video to MoMA and loop various tracks in the BG. I'll be famous.

 

always use a pro. you need to vac out the entire system so you get a proper charge.

 

I've used an amateur with great success. He pulls a deep vacuum and lets it sit overnight to ensure there's no leaks. Only then does he put refrigerant into the system, to spec and using gauges. Amateurs ftw!

fwiw- partsgroup has a few sets of NB hard lines for cheap

 

Ive always done patchwork on a/c systems, just hang a compressor, or just throw some freon in it, and my a/c has always been decent for a Camaro, but seems like every summer I had to do something else.

Finally this summer the first day it got hot, I said screw it Im doing a whole system, I replaced the Compressor (leaking) Expansion valve (miata may have Orifice tube, I dont know), and drier, replaced every seal, and back flushed the whole system. The A/c now blows as cold as a camry, which is a big compliment if youve been in a late model camry, gets cold way faster, and I havent had to mess with it in the last 3 months.

If your doing a compressor always do a expansion valve or orifice tube, and a drier or accumulator, flush the system, replace the seals, and pull a vacuum on it for a long time (I do about an hour).

Doppelganger in your case, you could get a new line, but most a/c shops can repair it if its on the hard part, I use them when its a hard to find part and have had good luck. Whatever you do I do strongly recommend replacing the drier, its normally like a 20 dollar part, and take it to a proffesional for the Evac and Recharge.

 

Unfortunately, in the '01-'05 miatas, the drier is attached to the condenser, so it's a MUCH more expensive part. I don't remember exactly, but I think between $100 and $200. Stupid design, if you ask me.

 

Well, I'll be picking up a low-mile lightly used line from Mazmart today. I will be taking it back to my buddy who has the a/c machine. I'll have him evac the system before I replace the line as I'm sure there is some charge in it still. Hopefully all is well with the rest of the system.